More people through the door means more revenue. Simple maths. But where do you start when footfall is down and you need to turn things around?
people visit a pub every single day in the UK - how many are walking into yours?
Here are practical strategies that UK pubs are using to increase footfall - from quick wins you can implement this week to longer-term tactics.
Get Found by People Already Looking
The easiest customers to win are those already searching for a pub. If they can't find you, they'll find a competitor.
Dominate Local Search
When someone in your area searches "pub near me" or "pub [your town]", you need to appear. This means:
Local Search Essentials
- A fully optimised Google Business Profile
- Consistent name, address, phone across all platforms
- Regular reviews (and responses to them)
- A website that mentions your location clearly
Read our detailed guide on getting into the Google Map Pack.
Be Visible on The Right Platforms
Essential Listings
- TripAdvisor (huge for tourists and food-focused visitors)
- Facebook (especially for events and local community)
- Apple Maps (iPhone users often use this by default)
- WhatPub (CAMRA's directory - essential for real ale pubs)
- Local tourism websites
Give People a Reason to Visit
"We're a nice pub" isn't enough. People need a specific reason to choose you over staying home or going elsewhere.
Regular Events
Events create urgency and give people a reason to come on a specific day:
Event Ideas That Work
- Quiz nights - midweek mainstay, builds loyal following
- Live music - acoustic sets, local bands, open mic nights
- Sports - football, rugby, F1 (promote which matches you're showing)
- Themed nights - curry night, steak night, burger night
- Community events - book clubs, knitting groups, cycling meet-ups
For more ideas, see our guide on filling your pub midweek.
Convert Walk-Bys Into Walk-Ins
How does your pub look from the street? First impressions matter.
Kerb Appeal
Street Presence Checklist
- Clean, readable signage
- A-boards with today's specials or events
- Visible menu outside (for food-led pubs)
- Beer garden or outdoor seating visible from the road
- Warm, inviting lighting in the evenings
Turn Customers Into Regulars
Acquiring new customers is expensive. Keeping existing ones coming back is more efficient.
Remember Faces and Names
This is the oldest trick in the book because it works. People come back to places where they feel known and valued. Train staff to remember regulars.
Collect Email Addresses
Email Collection Methods
- Through your booking system
- WiFi login (free WiFi in exchange for email)
- Website newsletter signup
- Event registrations
Community Connection
Pubs that are embedded in their community have more resilient footfall.
Community Connection Ideas
- Host local group meetings (free room hire for groups)
- Support local sports teams
- Partner with local businesses (recommend each other)
- Participate in village/town events
- Stock local products and mention local suppliers
Measure and Adjust
Track what's working:
- Which events fill the pub and which don't?
- Which marketing drives actual visits?
- What times and days are slowest?
Then adjust. Drop what isn't working, double down on what is.
Get a Professional Assessment
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